Another Monday, another Crate, celebrating the warm sensommer as this period is so elegantly called in Danish. Not yet the time for monochrome or minimalism or Weltschmerz – quite the opposite, in fact, as this Crate will continue the series on South American artists and infuse us with an explosion of life and colour.

1. Ernesto Garcia Cabral, or ‘El Chango’ meaning ‘little monkey’ is to date the uncontested most prolific Mexican illustrator and caricaturist, having left behind between 25 and 30,000 drawings and sketches. Born in 1890, he is said to have published his first illustrations in the local newspaper at the age of 10. Later he studied art in Mexico City and was sent with government-sponsored scholarship to study art in Paris and Buenos Aires when his involvement in Mexican political satire publications was just about to get him in trouble. After his return to Mexico, he worked for a number of publications like ‘Revista de Revistas‘, where he created colorful art deco style illustrations. Later on, throughout 1940’s and 1950’s he became known for his expressive Mexican movie posters. And if you think that’s it, you’re much mistaken – Cabral was also an expert tango dancer having learned the dance in his student years in Paris, as well as a silent film and television actor.

2. Flexibility is good, both for the body and for the mind. Cognitive flexibility for instance, is the foundation for learning and creativity.

3. Wondering how to find the best books to read? Here is the ultimate reading list for all seasons.

4. Want to know if you have faith? A trip to Abuna Yemata Guh, the Ethiopian ‘Church in the Sky’ will surely provide the answer.

5. Having a job is something most of us cannot escape – are there even any good ones out there?

6. And to finish off for this week, a great explainer of the strained relationship introverts (like myself) tend to have with the telephone. (By lizandmollie)

And that’s it for this time. Happy reading and until next week!
_________________________________________________________

If you want to receive the Crate to your mailbox, you can subscribe here at Substack.